Henson Defiant Despite Possible Violation

A controversial political figure declares defiantly he will run for the Maryland State Senate. Julius Henson insists it is his constitutional right to run and he intends to do so.

Henson was convicted in an election-fraud case involving the use of "robo-calls" in the 2010 Maryland governor's race. Critics contend Henson, a political consultant to then-governor Robert Ehrlich, sought to suppress the African-American vote in Baltimore.

There is some question about whether his state senate campaign would violate terms of his probation,.

But Henson says he believes the court order only prohibits him from working as a paid campaign staffer. He believes he is fully entitled to be a candidate. If prosecutors disagree, they could accuse him of violating probation and seek jail time.

Legal woes aside, Henson says he plans to file as a candidate for state senate in the 45th district, representing East Baltimore. The seat is currently held by longtime senator Nathaniel McFadden.

Henson accuses political enemies of trying to derail his political ambitions.